9:10 PM,
Mar. 5, 2011

A funnel cloud passed through the center of Louisville on the afternoon of April 3, 1974. Great devastation resulted.

Written by

Joe Sullivan
Special to The Courier-Journal

With all of the attention paid to Louisville's tornado sirens last week, it has become obvious to those of us who have dedicated our careers to the protection of life and property that there is a wide variation of understanding among the public regarding hazardous weather warnings.

In light of the discussion generated last week, I see this as a teachable moment, and I hope the information below clarifies the warning process and results in a more effective response by everyone in the Louisville area the next time severe weather threatens.